Work and its Meaning Among Jews, Muslims and Christians in Israel

This study examines and compares the MOW (Meaning of Work) among Jews and Arabs (Muslims and Christians) in Israel and attempts to explain the similarities and the differences in work ethics among these ethno-religious groups. The MOW questionnaire was conducted on 898 Jewish, 215 Muslim and 103 Christian respondents who were currently working. The MOW dimensions were: economic orientation, interpersonal relations orientation, intrinsic orientation and work centrality. The findings reveal significant differences in the MOW dimensions between the three religious groups. Overall, demographic factors partially explain the MOW differences. The MOW differences among the three groups can be explained mainly by cultural differences. While Israeli Jewish society is closer to the individualistic pole of the spectrum, Israeli Muslim society is closer to the collectivistic pole with Israeli Christian society being in between (nearer Jewish society). Since there is mass Arabs (Muslims and Christians) immigration from the Middle East to Europe and America this study provides a better understanding of their perceptions about work and their work values and ethics.









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